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Now that we are in the holiday season, take a look at the variety of programs offered at a branch near you! Take the kids to a storytime with Santa, watch A Christmas Carol live, prepare for holiday meals, and much more.

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Missouri

Explore Your History

Dearborn has an interesting history that dates back to the late nineteenth century when it was platted for use by Rock Island Railroad. There's a lot of dispute over how the town got its name. Some took to calling it "Lick Skillet", but the townsfolk wanted a more dignified name. Whether it was dubbed Dearborn after Revolutionary War hero Henry Dearborn or because it was "dearly born," people are proud to call it home.

Kansas City Castles

I was browsing through the book Weird Missouri by James Strait when I came across information regarding castles in Missouri. I’ve always been interested in ancient history and have dreamed of living in a castle (what history buff hasn’t?), so having castles in Missouri intrigued me. The book states that there are about 20 castle-like structures in Missouri. Four are highlighted in this book.

Queen City of the Trails

Did you know that Independence, Missouri is called the "Queen City of Trails"? It was the starting point for the Oregon, Santa Fe and California trails westward. There's a lot of history here where they began.

Treasure in Your Own Backyard

It's about 125 degrees out with that Missouri heat index. I'm daydreaming about standing in a cool mountain stream, pulling in a rainbow trout, while soaking in the beauty of the tree-lined slopes. An occasional dragonfly wisps past..... What? Wake up? Okay, even mental vacations have an end. How lovely to pull out a memory of our 2011 June vacation, not in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but in our own beautiful Missouri mountains.

Summer Vacation

With school about ready to start, it’s time to get in one last vacation with my family. Every year about this time, we head to Branson, MO, to watch the Summer Cruise Car Show. There is also plenty of shopping and great places to eat. You can go to Branson and do things for free or at little or no cost.

Missouri State Fair

When was the last time you went to the Missouri State Fair? My husband and I go just about every year, and we love it. We take our 5th wheel camper down to the campground and stay for several days. In my opinion, this is the only way to do the fair. You can plan to see as much or as little of the fair as you want. We might go see a show or demonstration at a certain time, go back to the campground in the heat of the day, and then go back in the evening to see something else.

Tell Me a Story Oral History Program At the Edgerton Pioneer Days Festival

The 1862 Lone Jack Civil War Battle Commemoration

Every August, Lone Jack gears up for a battle! Actually, it is the 1862 Lone Jack Civil War Battle Commemoration. People come from everywhere to enjoy the festivities. Some of the activities this year include a Boy Scout pancake breakfast, a parade, craft booths, a PTA carnival, and concessions with all kinds of good food. There will be dancers, Gospel music, and several other activities. Join us for the fun on August 20th from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are a history buff (and even if you're not), you will certainly enjoy the Commemoration!

Free Magazine for Missouri Kids

The Missouri Department of Conservation offers free subscriptions to Missouri residents of Xplor Magazine. The magazine is a companion to their website where children can visit to see videos, listen to nature sounds, look at photos, read nature trivia, and much more. Xplor is geared for an older reader (4th grade), but eye-catching photos of nature will give younger children plenty to talk about. The magazine is published bi-monthly.